Dr Che Wilbraham

Lecturer: Games

As a self-taught, independent game developer, Ché’s background is in the arts. He sees himself as a ludic illustrator, harnessing the unique power of games as the most effective way to communicate with an audience. His games illustrating mental health issues have been his most successful. He joined Falmouth University in 2017.

Ché holds a PhD, with the thesis titled "The Functions of the Gamemaster: A comprehensive, practice-based overview of the role of the gamemaster of tabletop roleplaying games". He also holds an MA in Digital Games from Brunel University and a BA in Illustration from the Cardiff School of Art and Design.

External Links

Contact details

Email Che.Grant.Wilbraham@falmouth.ac.uk

    Qualifications

    Qualifications

    Year Qualification Awarding body
    2025 PhD: The Functions of the Gamemaster: A comprehensive, practice-based overview of the role of the gamemaster of tabletop roleplaying games University of the Arts London (via Falmouth University)
    2015 MA Digital Games: Theory and Design: Merit Brunel University
    2011 BA (Hons.) Illustration: 2:1 Cardiff School of Art and Design

    Research Interests

    Research interests and expertise

    With my PhD topic being The Functions of the Gamemaster, my current research focus is around tabletop roleplaying games (RPGs), including game storytelling and its associated techniques and mechanics (both digital and non-digital games). I am also interested in most digital games topics (including theory and design), with some previous focus on representation in games.

    Research topics

    • Gamemasters
    • Tabletop Roleplaying Games
    • Game Design
    • Game Storytelling

    Research Outputs

    Publications and research outputs

    Events

    2019

    Falmouth University Spring Symposium - Speaker and Panellist: Deconstructing the Gamemaster

    Events

    2018

    3D3 Falmouth Residential - Poster Presentation: The Virtual Gamemaster: A New Approach to Branching Narrative in Computer Games

    Events

    2018

    3D3 Bristol Residential - Participant: Various workshops and discussions

    Events

    2018

    Falmouth University Summer Symposium - Speaker and Panellist: Towards a Virtual Gamemaster

    Events

    2018

    3D3 Lisbon Summer Intensive - Participant: Poem for Toby and an unreleased live action game titled #phdlife were the results of collaborative workshops

    Events

    2016

    'How to Make Your Own RPGs' at Cardiff Anime & Gaming Con, Main Stage, on the importance of meaningful design and ludonarrative cohesion

    Events

    2015

    'How to Make Your Own RPGs' at Cardiff Anime & Gaming Con, Main Stage, on the importance of meaningful design and ludonarrative cohesion

    Events

    2013

    'What if Mario is a Jerk?' at dorkbot Cardiff #12, on the game design process and what to consider to maximise a game’s illustrative value

    Events

    2011

    My game, 'The Cursed Caves', a ludic commentary on hero trope gaming and retro nostalgia, exhibited at Cardiff School of Art & Design Degree Show and presented at playARK

    Professional Engagement

    Independent professional practice

    All relevant information is available here: https://mighty-chebo.itch.io/ and here: http://mightychebo.blogspot.co.uk/

    Engagement with professional associations and societies

    • CHI 2026, October 2025 (reviews ahead of conference) - External Reviewer: Peer review of work submitted to the CHI 2026 Papers Track.